SALEM, Ore. – The University of Redlands Women's Basketball team (3-4, 0-1 SCIAC) found themselves down seven at the break against Willamette University Friday afternoon opening up their trip to the Pacific Northwest. But in the second half they allowed the Bearcats to score just 14 points as they earned a 70-49 road win ending their four game losing skid.
Colbi Zorich (Kenmore, WA) and AJ Wick (Henderson, NV) started the game with tip-ins as the U of R held an early 4-2 lead. After Wick found Zorich inside keeping UR in front 8-7, the Bearcats scored 13 points jumping in front 20-15 after the opening 10 minutes.
In the second quarter the Bulldogs found themselves down by as many as 10, 27-17, with 7:12 on the clock. The deficit remained double digits all the way to the 1:39 mark before Zorch scored the final three points for the Maroon and Grey as they went in the break down seven, 35-28.
Following an opening Bearcat jumper, the Bulldogs scored 10-straight points in the third quarter thanks to a trio of threes, two from Alex Facelo (San Jose, CA) and another from Carly Hicks (Portland, OR). The run gave Redlands the lead, 38-37.
Wick, Kayden Sanders (Nipomo, CA), and Leaya McKinney (Sedalia, CO) then combined to convert on five free throws, while Redlands held Willamette scoreless for the final 2:52 of the third as they took a 49-43 lead into the fourth quarter.
The 5-0 run to end the third turned into 25-straight for the Bulldogs as they held a 69-43 advantage shutting down the Bearcats for more than 11 minutes turning a competitive game through 30 minutes into a blowout win.
Four different Bulldogs scored in double figures with Zorich leading the way with 15 points. Hicks finished with 13, Wick 12, and Facelo 11. Wick also added 13 rebounds and four assists. Leila Hosn (Seattle, WA) had five points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
The Bulldogs shot 41.7% from the field, 50% from behind the arc and 70% from the free-throw line. They also added 34 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 20 second chance points and held a lead as many as 26.
Redlands will have a quick turnaround as they play at Linfield University at 1:00 p.m on Saturday, November 30.
